Partial purification and characterization of a soybean beta-glucosidase with high specific activity towards isoflavone conjugates

Deep eutectic solvent combined with soybean as an efficient approach to enhance the content of apigenin in the Chrysanthemum indicum L. extract

Our research aimed to cost-effectively enhance apigenin content in Chrysanthemum indicum L. extract using soybeans combined with a deep eutectic solvent. First, various deep eutectic solvents were investigated for the extraction of apigenin, followed by soybean treatment to increase aglycon levels. Combining single factor experiments with response surface methodology and optimization algorithms (genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization), the optimal conditions were also determined. The results revealed that choline chloride-propylene glycol emerged as the optimal solvent. The optimized treatment conditions involved a temperature of 54 °C, a time of 2 h, and the addition of 3 mL of soybean extract, yielding an apigenin content of 3.380 ± 0.031 mg/g - a remarkable eightfold increase compared to the initial extract. The computational study suggested that the deep eutectic solvent may play an important role in stabilizing β-glucosidase in soybeans. However, further research is needed to scale up and fully elucidate soybean's mechanism.

A β-Primeverosidase-like Enzyme in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] Hypocotyls: Specificity toward 1-Octen-3-yl and 3-Octanyl β-Primeverosides

A novel β-primeverosidase-like enzyme, originating from the hypocotyl of soybeans, was isolated and characterized. This enzyme, with an estimated molecular weight of 44 kDa, was identified as a monomer and exhibited peak activity at 55 °C and pH 5.5. It demonstrated a specific and efficient hydrolysis of 1-octen-3-yl β-primeveroside (1-octen-3-yl prim) and 3-octanyl β-primeveroside (3-octanyl prim) but did not act on glucopyranosides. Mn2+ significantly enhanced its activity, while Zn2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+ exerted inhibitory effects. Kinetic analysis revealed a higher hydrolytic capacity toward 1-octen-3-yl prim. Partial amino acid sequences were determined and the N-terminal amino acid sequence was determined to be AIVAYAL ALSKRAIAAQ. The binding energy and binding free energy between the β-primeverosidase enzyme and its substrates were observed to be higher than that of β-glucosidase, thus validating its superior hydrolysis efficiency. Hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions were the main types of interactions between β-primeverosidase enzyme and 1-octen-3-yl prim and 3-octanyl prim, involving amino acid residues such as GLU-470, TRP-463, GLU-416, TRP-471, GLN-53, and GLN-477 (hydrogen bonds) and PHE-389, TYR-345, LEU-216, and TYR-275 (hydrophobic interactions). This study contributes to the application of a β-primeverosidase-like enzyme in improving the release efficiency of glycosidically conjugated flavor substances.

QTL mapping reveals key factors related to the isoflavone contents and agronomic traits of soybean (Glycine max)

BACKGROUND

Soybean is a valuable source of edible protein and oil, as well as secondary metabolites that can be used in food products, cosmetics, and medicines. However, because soybean isoflavone content is a quantitative trait influenced by polygenes and environmental interactions, its genetic basis remains unclear.

RESULTS

This study was conducted to identify causal quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with soybean isoflavone contents. A mutant-based F2 population (190 individuals) was created by crossing the Korean cultivar Hwanggeum with low isoflavone contents (1,558 µg g-1) and the soybean mutant DB-088 with high isoflavone contents (6,393 µg g-1). A linkage map (3,049 cM) with an average chromosome length of 152 cM was constructed using the 180K AXIOM® SoyaSNP array. Thirteen QTLs related to agronomic traits were mapped to chromosomes 2, 3, 11, 13, 19, and 20, whereas 29 QTLs associated with isoflavone contents were mapped to chromosomes 1, 3, 8, 11, 14, 15, and 17. Notably, the qMGLI11, qMGNI11, qADZI11, and qTI11, which located Gm11_9877690 to Gm11_9955924 interval on chromosome 11, contributed to the high isoflavone contents and explained 11.9% to 20.1% of the phenotypic variation. This QTL region included four candidate genes, encoding β-glucosidases 13, 14, 17-1, and 17-2. We observed significant differences in the expression levels of these genes at various seed developmental stages. Candidate genes within the causal QTLs were functionally characterized based on enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways, as well as the results of a co-expression network analysis. A correlation analysis indicated that certain agronomic traits (e.g., days to flowering, days to maturity, and plant height) are positively correlated with isoflavone content.

CONCLUSIONS

Herein, we reported that the major QTL associated with isoflavone contents was located in the interval from Gm11_9877690 to Gm11_9955924 (78 kb) on chromosome 11. Four β-glucosidase genes were identified that may be involved in high isoflavone contents of soybean DB-088. Thus, the mutant alleles from soybean DB-088 may be useful for marker-assisted selection in developing soybean lines with high isoflavone contents and superior agronomic traits.

Flavonoids as Aglycones in Retaining Glycosidase-Catalyzed Reactions: Prospects for Green Chemistry

Flavonoids and their glycosides are abundant in many plant-based foods. The (de)glycosylation of flavonoids by retaining glycoside hydrolases has recently attracted much interest in basic and applied research, including the possibility of altering the glycosylation pattern of flavonoids. Research in this area is driven by significant differences in physicochemical, organoleptic, and bioactive properties between flavonoid aglycones and their glycosylated counterparts. While many flavonoid glycosides are present in nature at low levels, some occur in substantial quantities, making them readily available low-cost glycosyl donors for transglycosylations. Retaining glycosidases can be used to synthesize natural and novel glycosides, which serve as standards for bioactivity experiments and analyses, using flavonoid glycosides as glycosyl donors. Engineered glycosidases also prove valuable for the synthesis of flavonoid glycosides using chemically synthesized activated glycosyl donors. This review outlines the bioactivities of flavonoids and their glycosides and highlights the applications of retaining glycosidases in the context of flavonoid glycosides, acting as substrates, products, or glycosyl donors in deglycosylation or transglycosylation reactions.

Soybean (Glycine max) isoflavone conjugate hydrolysing β-glucosidase (GmICHG): a promising candidate for soy isoflavone bioavailability enhancement

Isoflavones are a sub-class of phenylpropanoids having health benefits and a role in plant defence and plant-rhizobium interaction. Isoflavone conjugate hydrolysis is crucial in determining the bioactivity and bioavailability of these isoflavones inside the human body. This study examined the different characteristics of soy isoflavone conjugate hydrolysing β-glucosidase (GmICHG) to explore its potential for isoflavone bioavailability enhancement. We cloned the full-length GmICHG cDNA from the soybean seedling roots from the DS2706 variety of 1545 bp. The bioinformatics analysis revealed secretion and glycosylation of this protein. The evolutionary relatedness of this gene to the other glucosidases interestingly had related sequences outside the Papilionaceae family. The protein had a pI above neutral of 7.62 and optimum pH of 6.0, indicating its activity in the extracellular acidic environment. The GmICHG gene expression at three stages of seedling roots gradually rose to 1.84 ± 0.54 fold and a concomitant increase in the β-glucosidase activity. The enzyme kinetics of GmICHG showed a K m of 6.38 mM and V max of 2.82 U/ml and an optimum temperature of 40 °C. These hint that soy ICHG can be a potent candidate for the isoflavone bioavailability enhancement by hydrolysing their β-glycosidic bonds.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03427-5.

Optimisation of an Aglycone-Enhanced Celery Extract with Germinated Soy Supplementation Using Response Surface Methodology

In this study, the extraction conditions of bioactive aglycones from a celery extract supplemented with germinated soy were optimised by a response surface methodology. For subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis to enhance the apigenin content, increased production of its precursor apigetrin was firstly achieved through acidic extraction at optimal conditions, involving water at pH 1, at 75 °C for 2 h. Subsequently, a central composite design was conducted to analyse the pH (3–11) and temperature (25–35 °C) effects on the aglycone levels (apigenin, daidzein and genistein). The optimal extraction conditions were pH 7.02 and 29.99 °C, which resulted in a 40-fold increase in apigenin. The novel and cost-effective application of germinated soy β-glucosidase for the conversion of aglycones in non-soy foods is demonstrated. The enhanced bioactivities of aglycones may suggest potential applications for similar formulations as functional food ingredients.

Characterization of a novel isoflavone glycoside-hydrolyzing β-glucosidase from mangrove soil metagenomic library

For the beneficial pharmacological properties of isoflavonoids and their related glycoconjugates, there is increasingly interest in their enzymatic conversion. In this study, a novel β-glucosidase gene isolated from metagenomic library of mangrove sediment was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The purified recombination β-glucosidase, designated as r-Bgl66, showed high catalytic activity for soy isoflavone glycosides. It converted soy isoflavone flour extract with the productivities of 0.87 mM/h for daidzein, 0.59 mM/h for genistein and 0.42 mM/h for glycitein. The kcat/Km values for daidzin, genistin and glycitin were 208.73, 222.37 and 288.07 mM-1 s-1, respectively. In addition, r-Bgl66 also exhibited the characteristic of glucose-tolerance, and the inhibition constant Ki was 471.4 mM. These properties make it a good candidate in the enzymatic hydrolysis of soy isoflavone glycosides. This study also highlights the utility of metagenomic approach in discovering novel β-glucosidase for soy isoflavone glycosides hydrolysis.

Unconventional β-Glucosidases: A Promising Biocatalyst for Industrial Biotechnology

β-Glucosidases primarily catalyze removal of terminal glucosyl residues from a variety of glucoconjugates and also perform transglycosylation and reverse hydrolysis. These catalytic properties can be readily exploited for degradation of lignocellulosic biomass as well as for pharmaceutical, food and flavor industries. β-Glucosidases have been either isolated in the native form from the producer organism or recombinantly expressed and gaged for their biochemical properties and substrate specificities. Although almond and Aspergillus niger have been instantly recognizable sources of β-glucosidases utilized for various applications, an intricate pool of novel β-glucosidases from different sources can provide their potent replacements. Moreover, one can envisage the better efficacy of these novel candidates in biofuel and biorefinery industries facilitating efficient degradation of biomass. This article reviews properties of the novel β-glucosidases such as glucose tolerance and activation, substrate specificity, and thermostability which can be useful for their applications in lignocellulose degradation, food industry, and pharmaceutical industry in comparison with the β-glucosidases from the conventional sources. Such β-glucosidases have potential for encouraging white biotechnology.

Auto-hydrolysis of red clover as "green" approach to (iso)flavonoid enriched products

Optimal parameters for the auto-hydrolysis of (iso)flavone glycosides to aglycones in ground Trifolium pratense L. plant material were established as a "green" method for the production of a reproducible red clover extract (RCE). The process utilized 72-h fermentation in DI water at 25 and 37 °C. The aglycones obtained at 25 °C, as determined by UHPLC-UV and quantitative ¹H NMR (qHNMR), increased significantly in the auto-hydrolyzed (ARCE) (6.2-6.7% w/w biochanin A 1, 6.1-9.9% formononetin 2) vs a control ethanol (ERCE) extract (0.24% 1, 0.26% 2). After macerating ARCE with 1:1 (v/v) diethyl ether/hexanes (ARCE-d/h), 1 and 2 increased to 13.1-16.7% and 14.9-18.4% w, respectively, through depletion of fatty components. The final extracts showed chemical profiles similar to that of a previous clinical RCE. Biological standardization revealed that the enriched ARCE-d/h extracts produced the strongest estrogenic activity in ERα positive endometrial cells (Ishikawa cells), followed by the precursor ARCE. The glycoside-rich ERCE showed no estrogenic activity. The estrogenicity of ARCE-d/h was similar to that of the clinical RCE. The lower potency of the ARCE compared to the prior clinical RCE indicated that substantial amounts of fatty acids/matter likely reduce the estrogenicity of crude hydrolyzed preparations. The in vitro dynamic residual complexity of the conversion of biochanin A to genistein was evaluated by LC-MS-MS. The outcomes help advance translational research with red clover and other (iso)flavone-rich botanicals by inspiring the preparation of (iso)flavone aglycone-enriched extracts for the exploration of new in vitro and ex vivo bioactivities that are unachievable with genuine, glycoside-containing extracts.

Purification and characterization of an isoflavones conjugate hydrolyzing β-glucosidase (ICHG) from Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (guar)

A β-glucosidase with high specific activity towards isoflavone glycosidic conjugates was purified from seeds of Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) by ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by size exclusion and ion exchange chromatography. The pH and temperature optima of the purified Isoflavones conjugate hydrolyzing β-glucosidase (ICHG) were found to be pH 4.5 and 37 °C, respectively. The enzyme was relatively stable at higher temperatures. Effect of different divalent metal ions was studied and it was found that Cobalt and Mercury ions completely inhibited the enzyme activity. Km and Vmax of the purified isoflavones conjugates hydrolyzing β-glucosidases (ICHG) was 0.86 mM and 6.6 IU/mg respectively. The enzyme was most likely a trimer (approximate Mr 150 kDa) with potential subunits of 50 kDa. The purified enzyme showed activity against isoflavone conjugate glycosides viz daidzin and genistin but was inactive towards other flavonoid conjugates. The product conversion was confirmed by HPTLC and HRMS analysis. The MALDI-TOF analysis of the ICHG showed a score greater than 78 with 20 matches in MASCOT software. The five resultant peptides obtained had highest similarity in sequence with β-glucosidase from Cicer arietinum. The β-glucosidase from the C. arietinum has also been reported to exhibit the isoflavone conjugate hydrolyzing properties thus confirming the nature of the enzyme purified from the Guar seeds.

Purification, characterization, and functional properties of a novel glycoprotein from tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tartaricum) seed

A pure glycoprotein (BGP4-I) was obtained from tartary buckwheat seeds by aqueous extraction followed by DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow ion exchange chromatography and Sephadex G-100 gel filtration chromatography. The average molecular weight of BGP4-I, as determined by high performance gel permeation chromatography, was 123.43 kDa. The structure of BGP4-I was characterized based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, etc. Based on the nano-liquid chromatography-coupled electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis of the amino acid sequence of BGP4-I, belongs unequivocally to the glycosyl hydrolase family 1 in the Carbohydrate Active Enzymes database by alignment studies. The specific activity of BGP4-I was 18.44 μmol/min/mg on the substrate p-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucopyranoside. Furthermore, BGP4-I is unique in its specificity for some substrates. These results suggest that the BGP4-I from tartary buckwheat seeds is a novel specific β-glucosidase setting the foundation for potential applications in the food industry.

1-Octen-3-ol Is Formed from Its Glycoside during Processing of Soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Seeds

Soaking and maceration of dry soybean seeds induce the formation of aliphatic volatile compounds that impact the flavor properties of food products prepared from soybean. Most aliphatic volatile compounds are formed through oxygenation of unsaturated fatty acids by lipoxygenases; however, lipoxygenases are not responsible for the formation of 1-octen-3-ol. 1-Octen-3-ol in soybean products is in general an off-flavor compound; thus, a procedure to manage its formation is required. In this study, we show that the formation of 1-octen-3-ol after hydration of soybean seed powder is independent of oxygen, suggesting that 1-octen-3-ol is not formed de novo from unsaturated fatty acids but instead from its derivative. When crude methanol extract of soybean seeds was reacted with β-glycosidases, 1-octen-3-ol was rather liberated from its glycoside. We purified the parent glycoside from soybean seeds and confirmed it as ( R)-1-octen-3-yl β-primeveroside [( R)-1-octen-3-yl 6- O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-β-d-glucopyranoside]. Green immature soybean fruits (pericarp and seeds) contain a high amount of 1-octen-3-yl β-primeveroside. Its amount decreases after hydration of dry soybean powder. The results indicate that management of 1-octen-3-ol levels in soybean products requires a different strategy than that applied to off-flavor compounds formed de novo.

Multistep Optimization of β-Glucosidase Extraction from Germinated Soybeans (Glycine max L. Merril) and Recovery of Isoflavone Aglycones

Epicotyls from germinated soybeans (EGS) have great potential as sources of endogenous β-glucosidase. Furthermore, this enzyme may improve the conversion of isoflavones into their corresponding aglycones. β-Glucosidase may also increase the release of aglycones from the cell wall of the plant materials. Therefore, the aim of this work was to optimize both the extraction of β-glucosidase from EGS and to further examine its application in defatted soybean cotyledon to improve the recovery of aglycones, which were evaluated by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). A multistep optimization was carried out and the effects of temperature and pH were investigated by applying a central composite design. The linear effect of pH and the quadratic effect of pH and temperature were significant for the extraction of β-glucosidase and recovery aglycones, respectively. Optimum extraction of β-glucosidase from EGS occurred at 30 °C and pH 5.0. Furthermore, the maximum recovery of aglycones (98.7%), which occurred at 35 °C and pH 7.0⁻7.6 during 144 h of germination, increased 8.5 times with respect to the lowest concentration. The higher bioaccessibility of aglycones when compared with their conjugated counterparts is well substantiated. Therefore, the data provided in this contribution may be useful for enhancing the benefits of soybean, their products, and/or their processing by-products.

Assessment of changes in the content of anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and antioxidant property of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mediated fermented black rice bran

Studies on phytochemical properties and bioactivities of rice bran revealed the wealth of natural complex antioxidant compounds. The composition and the properties of the rice bran get altered after fermentation by several microbes. This study was designed to optimize the black rice bran fermentation conditions for the total anthocyanin (ACN) content, total antioxidant properties, and relative activity of β-glucosidase (BGS) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology was employed to achieve the maximum response in fermentation. The kinetic analysis of HPLC based phytochemical determination and bioconversion of ACN, and in vitro antioxidant assays were performed during fermentation. The optimum pH, temperature and NaCl concentration to achieve maximum ACN content, antioxidant capacity, and BGS activity were pH 4.0, 40 °C, and 0.5%, respectively. Bioconversion of cyanidin-3-glucoside and peonidin-3-glucoside to cyanidin and peonidin was recorded at a significant level, respectively. The maximum activity of BGS on rice bran was noticed at 24 h of fermentation. The results suggested that phytochemical content was not changed significantly, whereas the antioxidant properties of rice bran were slightly enhanced after 24 h of fermentation. Additional detailed in vivo evaluation is required to explain the impact of submerged fermentation on the bioactivity of rice bran.

Extraction, partial purification and determination of some biochemical properties of β-glucosidase from Tea Leaves (Camellia sinensis L.)

This research was carried out to determine biochemical properties of β-glucosidase (β-D-glucoside glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.21) isolated from Turkish tea leaves. Two protein peaks containing β-glucosidase activity were recovered and characterized, which were denoted as isoenzyme A and isoenzyme B. Their pH optimum, thermal resistances, affinity towards p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside differed markedly. They both displayed maximal activity at pH 5.0. The effects of the inhibitors tested varied in a dose dependent manner.

Macronutrients, Phytochemicals, and Antioxidant Activity of Soybean Sprout Germinated with or without Light Exposure

This study examined the macronutrients, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities of yellow soybean sprout (YSS) and green soybean sprout (GSS) with different germination days. YSS and GSS were obtained by sprouting soybean in darkness or with light exposure at 21 °C. Lipid, protein, carbohydrate, and ash contents were analyzed before and after soybean germination. Phytochemicals (total phenolic compounds, saponin, and isoflavone) were also determined. DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) were determined to examine the antioxidant activities of soybean sprout. Results showed YSS had a higher yield than GSS. Based on dry mass composition, 7-d germination of GSS decreased 14% protein, 37% lipid, 22% carbohydrate, and 16% ash, whereas 7-d germination of YSS decreased 6% protein and 47% lipid. Carbohydrate did not change and ash significantly increased for the 7-d germinated YSS. Lipid was greatly metabolized in germination, which explained why the protein relative percentage in dried soybean sprout was higher than that in the corresponding soybean. Total phenolic compounds and saponin (mg/g soybean sprout, dry basis) had the same accumulation trend in soybean sprout with the increases in germination days. Aglycone isoflavones (genistein, glycitein, and daidzein) and daidzin showed an increased trend, whereas malonylgenistin and malonylglycitin showed a decreased trend with germination days for both GSS and YSS. The change in other isoflavones did not show definite trends. GSS had 20% more antioxidant activities than YSS (7-d germinated soybean sprout). The increases in ORAC antioxidant activity suggest eating GSS may be more beneficial than GSS for promoting human health.

Isoflavones of the soybean components and the effect of germination time in the cotyledons and embryonic axis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of different forms of isoflavones of BRS 284 soybean components and the effect of germination time in the cotyledons, radicle, and hypocotyl. Seeds were germinated until 168 h at 35 °C and collected each 24 h. The isoflavone content was determined by ultraperformance liquid chromatography, and the data were subjected to regression analysis. In cotyledons, germination time had a quadratic effect on daidzin and genistin contents and a linear effect on malonyldaidzin and malonylgenistin contents. In radicles, germination time had a quadratic effect on daidzin, glycitin, malonylgenistin, and malonylglycitin contents in addition to a linear effect on malonyldaidzin content. In hypocotyls, germination time showed a cubic effect on daidzin and genistin contents, a quadratic effect on malonyldaidzin, malonylgenistin, and malonylglycitin contents, and a linear effect on genistein content; glycitin, daidzein and glycitein were detected in a few germination times.

Purification and characterization of β-glucosidase from greater wax moth Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, is one of the most ruinous pests of honeycomb in the world. Beta-glucosidases are a type of digestive enzymes that hydrolytically catalyzes the beta-glycosidic linkage of glycosides. Characterization of the beta-glucosidase in G. mellonella could be a significant stage for a better comprehending of its role and establishing a safe and effective control procedure primarily against G. mellonella and also some other insect pests. Laboratory reared final instar stage larvae were randomly selected and homogenized for beta-glucosidase activity assay and subsequent analysis. The enzyme was purified to apparent homogeneity by salting out with ammonium sulfate and using sepharose-4B-l-tyrosine-1-naphthylamine hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The purification was 58-fold with an overall enzyme yield of 29%. The molecular mass of the protein was estimated as ca. 42 kDa. The purified beta-glucosidase was effectively active on para/ortho-nitrophenyl-beta-d-glucopyranosides (p-/o-NPG) with Km values of 0.37 and 1.9 mM and Vmax values of 625 and 189 U/mg, respectively. It also exhibits different levels of activity against para-nitrophenyl-β-d-fucopyranoside (p-NPF), para/ortho-nitrophenyl β-d-galactopyranosides (p-/o-NPGal) and p-nitrophenyl 1-thio-β-d-glucopyranoside. The enzyme was competitively inhibited by beta-gluconolactone and also was very tolerant to glucose against p-NPG as substrate. The Ki and IC50 values of δ-gluconolactone were determined as 0.021 and 0.08 mM while the enzyme was more tolerant to glucose inhibition with IC50 value of 213.13 mM for p-NPG.

Biotransformed soybean extract (BSE) inhibits melanoma cell growth and viability in vitro: involvement of nuclear factor-kappa B signaling

Melanoma is recognized as one of the most aggressive cancers with a relatively high propensity for metastasis. The prognosis of melanoma remains poor in spite of treatment advances, emphasizing the importance of additional preventive measures. Isoflavonoids have become not only potential chemopreventive, but also important therapeutic natural agents. We evaluated the antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties of biotransformed soybean extract (BSE) in A375 melanoma cells. Previous analyses demonstrated that the concentration of daidzein, genistein and aminoacids/peptides present in BSE, fermented by Aspergillus awamori is much higher than in the non biotransformed extract (NBSE). Experiments comparing the efficacy of the extracts in preventing cancer cell growth showed that treatment (24 h) of aggressive melanoma cells (A375 and 451Lu) with BSE resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of growth and viability. In contrast, treatment with similar doses of NBSE failed to inhibit melanoma cell viability. Further studies in A375 cells showed that decrease in cell viability with BSE treatment (1.5-1.9 mg/ml; 24 h) was associated with induction of apoptosis. Immunoblot analysis revealed that BSE treatment resulted in induction of PARP cleavage, activation of caspase-3, -7, and -8 and increased expression of TRAIL and its receptor DR4. BSE did not activate the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in A375 cells, as no change was observed in caspase-9 expression. The expression of Bcl-2 apoptotic proteins such as Bid and Bax remained unaffected with BSE treated cells. Interestingly, we also showed that BSE treatment increased the phosphorylation and activation of IKK, IκBα degradation and p65/NF-κB translocation to the nucleus, and that stimulation of the NF-???B pathway was required for BSE-induced apoptosis of A375 cells. Our findings indicate that the biotransformation of soybean plays a crucial role in the extract anti-cancer effect observed in melanoma cells. However, further studies are warranted to define the active anti-cancer agent(s) present in BSE.

Insect-induced daidzein, formononetin and their conjugates in soybean leaves

In response to attack by bacterial pathogens, soybean (Gylcine max) leaves accumulate isoflavone aglucones, isoflavone glucosides, and glyceollins. In contrast to pathogens, the dynamics of related insect-inducible metabolites in soybean leaves remain poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the biochemical responses of soybean leaves to Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) herbivory and also S. litura gut contents, which contain oral secretion elicitors. Following S. litura herbivory, soybean leaves displayed an induced accumulation of the flavone and isoflavone aglycones 4’,7-dihyroxyflavone, daidzein, and formononetin, and also the isoflavone glucoside daidzin. Interestingly, foliar application of S. litura oral secretions also elicited the accumulation of isoflavone aglycones (daidzein and formononetin), isoflavone 7-O-glucosides (daidzin, ononin), and isoflavone 7-O-(6’-O-malonyl-β-glucosides) (malonyldaidzin, malonylononin). Consistent with the up-regulation of the isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathway, folair phenylalanine levels also increased following oral secretion treatment. To establish that these metabolitic changes were the result of de novo biosynthesis, we demonstrated that labeled (¹³C₉) phenylalanine was incorporated into the isoflavone aglucones. These results are consistent with the presence of soybean defense elicitors in S. litura oral secretions. We demonstrate that isoflavone aglycones and isoflavone conjugates are induced in soybean leaves, not only by pathogens as previously demonstrated, but also by foliar insect herbivory.

Profiling of secondary metabolites in blue lupin inoculated with Phytophthora cinnamomi following phosphite treatment

In order to discover phytochemicals that are potentially bioactive against Phytophthora cinnamomi, (a soil-borne plant pathogen) a metabolite profiling protocol for investigation of metabolic changes in Lupinus angustifolius L. plant roots in response to pathogen challenge has been established. Analysis of the metabolic profiles from healthy and P. cinnamomi-inoculated root tissue with high resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed that although susceptible, L. angustifolius upregulated a defence associated genistein and 2'-hydroxygenistein-based isoflavonoid and a soyasapogenol saponin at 12h post inoculation which increased in concentration at 72h post inoculation. In contrast to the typical susceptible interaction, the application of a phosphorous-based treatment to L. angustifolius foliage 48h before P. cinnamomi challenge negated the ability of the pathogen to colonise the root tissue and cause disease. Importantly, although the root profiles of water-treated and phosphite-treated plants post pathogen inoculation contained the same secondary metabolites, concentration variations were observed. Accumulation of secondary metabolites within the P. cinnamomi-inoculated plants confirms that pathogen ingress of the root interstitially occurs in phosphite-treated plants, confirming a direct mode of action against the pathogen upon breaching the root cells.

Transcription analyses of GmICHG, a gene coding for a β-glucosidase that catalyzes the specific hydrolysis of isoflavone conjugates in Glycine max (L.) Merr

Isoflavone conjugate-hydrolyzing β-glucosidase (GmICHG) of soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] catalyzes the specific hydrolysis of isoflavone conjugates (β-7-O-(malonyl)glucosides of isoflavones) to produce free isoflavones. In this study, changes in the transcription levels of GmICHG in the individual organs of soybean seedlings (cv. Enrei) in response to microbial infection and abiotic stresses were analyzed and compared with those of genes coding for 2-hydroxyisoflavanone synthase (GmIFS) and isoflavone 7-O-glucosyltransferase (GmIF7GT). GmICHG was originally expressed in abundance only in the roots and at low levels only in the other organs. The transcription of GmICHG in the roots and other organs was suppressed upon infection of the roots by Phytophthora sojae. Upon wounding of the cotyledon, a transient long-distance up-regulation of GmICHG transcription in the roots was observed; upon fungal infection in the cotyledon, however, a delayed elevation of GmICHG transcription took place in the roots with the maximum at 10 h after the infection. Such long-distance up-regulation patterns were not observed with either GmIFS or GmIF7GT. The transcription levels of GmICHG remained essentially unchanged upon treatment of the roots with Bradyrhizobium japonicum. The transcription of GmICHG in the roots was also sensitive to a variety of stresses on the roots, such as flooding, elicitation with yeast extract, drought, and treatment with plant hormones such as abscisic, salicylic, and jasmonic acids and ethylene.

Design and selection of soy breads used for evaluating isoflavone bioavailability in clinical trials

To modulate isoflavone aglycone composition within a soy functional food, soy ingredients were processed and evaluated in a soy bread system intended for clinical trials. A soy flour/soy milk mixture (SM) was boiled, fermented, steamed, or roasted prior to dough preparation. The isoflavone compositions of five processed SM and their corresponding breads combined with and without β-glucosidase-rich almonds were examined using HPLC. Isoflavone malonyl-glucosides (>80%) were converted into acetyl and simple glucoside forms (substrates more favorable for β-glucosidase) in steamed and roasted SM. Their corresponding breads had isoflavones predominately as aglycones (∼75%) with soy-almond bread with steamed SM being more consumer acceptable than roasted. Isoflavone composition in soy bread was stable during frozen storage and toasting. A suitable glycoside-rich soy bread (31.6 ± 2.1 mg aglycone equiv/slice) using unprocessed SM and an aglycone-rich soy-almond bread (31.1 ± 1.9 mg aglycone equiv/slice) using steamed SM were developed to evaluate fundamental questions of isoflavone bioavailability in clinical trials.

Purification and characterization of a ginsenoside Rb(1)-hydrolyzing β-glucosidase from Aspergillus niger KCCM 11239

Rb(1)-hydrolyzing β-glucosidase from Aspergillus niger KCCM 11239 was studied to develop a bioconversion process for minor ginsenosides. The specific activity of the purified enzyme was 46.5 times greater than that of the crude enzyme. The molecular weight of the native enzyme was estimated to be approximately 123 kDa. The optimal pH of the purified enzyme was pH 4.0, and the enzyme proved highly stable over a pH range of 5.0-10.0. The optimal temperature was 70 °C, and the enzyme became unstable at temperatures above 60 °C. The enzyme was inhibited by Cu(2+), Mg(2+), Co(2+), and acetic acid (10 mM). In the specificity tests, the enzyme was found to be active against ginsenoside Rb(1), but showed very low levels of activity against Rb(2), Rc, Rd, Re, and Rg(1). The enzyme hydrolyzed the 20-C,β-(1→6)-glucoside of ginsenoside Rb(1) to generate ginsenoside Rd and Rg(3), and hydrolyzed 3-C,β-(1→2)-glucoside to generate F(2). The properties of the enzyme indicate that it could be a useful tool in biotransformation applications in the ginseng industry, as well as in the development of novel drug compounds.

A highly efficient β-glucosidase from the buffalo rumen fungus Neocallimastix patriciarum W5

BACKGROUND

Cellulose, which is the most abundant renewable biomass on earth, is a potential bio-resource of alternative energy. The hydrolysis of plant polysaccharides is catalyzed by microbial cellulases, including endo-β-1,4-glucanases, cellobiohydrolases, cellodextrinases, and β-glucosidases. Converting cellobiose by β-glucosidases is the key factor for reducing cellobiose inhibition and enhancing the efficiency of cellulolytic enzymes for cellulosic ethanol production.

RESULTS

In this study, a cDNA encoding β-glucosidase was isolated from the buffalo rumen fungus Neocallimastix patriciarum W5 and is named NpaBGS. It has a length of 2,331 bp with an open reading frame coding for a protein of 776 amino acid residues, corresponding to a theoretical molecular mass of 85.1 kDa and isoelectric point of 4.4. Two GH3 catalytic domains were found at the N and C terminals of NpaBGS by sequence analysis. The cDNA was expressed in Pichia pastoris and after protein purification, the enzyme displayed a specific activity of 34.5 U/mg against cellobiose as the substrate. Enzymatic assays showed that NpaBGS was active on short cello-oligosaccharides from various substrates. A weak activity in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) digestion indicated that the enzyme might also have the function of an endoglucanase. The optimal activity was detected at 40°C and pH 5 ~ 6, showing that the enzyme prefers a weak acid condition. Moreover, its activity could be enhanced at 50°C by adding Mg2+ or Mn2+ ions. Interestingly, in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) experiments using Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4741 or Kluyveromyces marxianus KY3 as the fermentation yeast, NpaBGS showed advantages in cell growth, glucose production, and ethanol production over the commercial enzyme Novo 188. Moreover, we showed that the KY3 strain engineered with the NpaNGS gene can utilize 2 % dry napiergrass as the sole carbon source to produce 3.32 mg/ml ethanol when Celluclast 1.5 L was added to the SSF system.

CONCLUSION

Our characterizations of the novel β-glucosidase NpaBGS revealed that it has a preference of weak acidity for optimal yeast fermentation and an optimal temperature of ~40°C. Since NpaBGS performs better than Novo 188 under the living conditions of fermentation yeasts, it has the potential to be a suitable enzyme for SSF.

Hydrolysis of isoflavone glycosides by a thermostable β-glucosidase from Pyrococcus furiosus

The recombinant β-glucosidase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus was purified with a specific activity of 330 U/mg for genistin by His-trap chromatography. The specific activity of the purified enzyme followed the order genistin > daidzin > glycitin> malonyl glycitin > malonyl daidzin > malonyl genistin. The hydrolytic activity for genistin was highest at pH 6.0 and 95 °C with a half-life of 59 h, a K(m) of 0.5 mM, and a k(cat) of 6050 1/s. The enzyme completely hydrolyzed 1.0 mM genistin, daidzin, and glycitin within 100, 140, and 180 min, respectively. The soybean flour extract at 7.5% (w/v) contained 1.0 mM genistin, 0.9 mM daidzin, and 0.3 mM glycitin. Genistin, daidzin, and glycitin in the soybean flour extract were completely hydrolyzed after 60, 75, and 120 min, respectively. Of the reported β-glucosidases, P. furiosusβ-glucosidase exhibited the highest thermostability, k(cat), k(cat)/K(m), yield, and productivity for hydrolyzing genistin. These results suggest that this enzyme may be useful for the industrial hydrolysis of isoflavone glycosides.

Characterization of a GH3 family β-glucosidase from Dictyoglomus turgidum and its application to the hydrolysis of isoflavone glycosides in spent coffee grounds

A recombinant β-glucosidase from Dictyoglomus turgidum was purified with a specific activity of 31 U/mg by His-Trap affinity chromatography. D. turgidum β-glucosidase was identified as a memmber of the glycoside hydrolase (GH) 3 family on the basis of its amino acid sequence. The native enzyme existed as an 86 kDa monomer with an activity maximum at pH 5 and 85 °C with a half-life of 334 min. The hydrolytic activity of the enzyme with aryl-glycoside substrates was the highest for p-nitrophenyl (pNP)-β-D-glucopyranoside (with a K(m) of 1.3 mM and a k(cat) of 13900 1/s), followed by oNP-β-D-glucopyranoside, pNP-β-D-xylopyranoside, pNP-β-D-fucopyranoside, and pNP-β-D-galactopyranoside. However, no activity was observed for oNP-β-D-galactopyranoside, pNP-α-D-glucopyranoside, pNP-α-D-glucopyranoside, pNP-β-D-mannopyranoside, pNP-β-L-arabinopyranoside, and pNP-α-L-rhamnopyranoside. The hydrolytic activity of the β-glucosidase for coffee isoflavones followed the order genistin (with a K(m) of 0.67 mM and a k(cat) of 5750 1/s) > daidzin > ononin > glycitin. The concentrations of daidzin in ground coffee and spent coffee grounds were 160 and 107 μg/g, respectively, but other isoflavones were present at low concentrations or absent. The enzyme completely hydrolyzed 1.2 mM daidzin in spent coffee grounds after 2 h, with a productivity of 0.6 mM/h. This is the first report concerning the enzymatic hydrolysis of isoflavone glycosides in spent coffee grounds.

Comparison of three thermostable β-glucosidases for application in the hydrolysis of soybean isoflavone glycosides

A novel thermostable β-glucosidase (Te-BglA) from Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus JW200 was cloned, characterized and compared for its activity against isoflavone glycosides with two β-glucosidases (Tm-BglA, Tm-BglB) from Thermotoga maritima. Te-BglA exhibited maximum hydrolytic activity toward pNP-β-d-glucopyranoside (pNPG) at 80 °C and pH 7.0, was stable for a pH range of 4.6-7.8 and at 65 °C for 3 h, and had the lowest K(m) for the natural glycoside salicin and the highest relative substrate specificity (k(cat)/K(m))((salicin))/(k(cat)/K(m))((pNPG)) among the three enzymes. It converted isoflavone glycosides, including malonyl glycosides, in soybean flour to their aglycons more efficiently than Tm-BglA and Tm-BglB. After 3 h of incubation at 65 °C, Te-BglA produced complete hydrolysis of four isoflavone glycosides (namely, daidzin, genistin and their malonylated forms), exhibiting higher productivity of genistein and daidzein than the other two β-glucosidases. Our results suggest that Te-BglA is preferable to Tm-BglA and Tm-BglB, but all three enzymes have great potential applications in converting isoflavone glycosides into their aglycons.

Identification of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae glucosidase that hydrolyzes flavonoid glucosides

Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) whole-cell bioconversions of naringenin 7-O-β-glucoside revealed considerable β-glucosidase activity, which impairs any strategy to generate or modify flavonoid glucosides in yeast transformants. Up to 10 putative glycoside hydrolases annotated in the S. cerevisiae genome database were overexpressed with His tags in yeast cells. Examination of these recombinant, partially purified polypeptides for hydrolytic activity with synthetic chromogenic α- or β-glucosides identified three efficient β-glucosidases (EXG1, SPR1, and YIR007W), which were further assayed with natural flavonoid β-glucoside substrates and product verification by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Preferential hydrolysis of 7- or 4'-O-glucosides of isoflavones, flavonols, flavones, and flavanones was observed in vitro with all three glucosidases, while anthocyanins were also accepted as substrates. The glucosidase activities of EXG1 and SPR1 were completely abolished by Val168Tyr mutation, which confirmed the relevance of this residue, as reported for other glucosidases. Most importantly, biotransformation experiments with knockout yeast strains revealed that only EXG1 knockout strains lost the capability to hydrolyze flavonoid glucosides.